Zesty Skillet Lemon Chicken Recipe: Barefoot Contessa’s Magic

Sizzling aromas of herbs and citrus fill the kitchen when you make this Barefoot Contessa skillet roasted lemon chicken recipe that promises pure comfort.

Elegant yet incredibly simple, this dish captures the essence of home cooking with minimal effort.

Juicy chicken emerges golden and fragrant from a hot skillet, infused with bright lemon and aromatic rosemary.

Every bite delivers a perfect balance of crispy skin and tender meat that melts in your mouth.

Professional chefs and home cooks alike adore this straightforward approach to roasting chicken.

Fresh ingredients and smart techniques combine to create a meal that looks impressive but requires surprisingly little skill.

Grab your skillet and get ready to serve a restaurant-quality dinner that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 45 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 4

What’s in Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken

• Thyme: Adds earthy, aromatic depth to the chicken, choose fresh sprigs for maximum flavor.
• Fennel Seeds: Provides a subtle licorice-like undertone, select whole seeds for better grinding.
• Salt: Enhances overall taste, use kosher or sea salt for more robust seasoning.
• Black Pepper: Brings warmth and slight heat, freshly ground offers more intense flavor.

• Whole Chicken: Creates a stunning centerpiece, select a high-quality, fresh bird with plump, firm meat.
• Lemons: Provides bright, citrusy notes and helps tenderize the meat, choose firm, heavy lemons with vibrant yellow skin.
• Onions: Offers sweet, caramelized undertones during roasting, pick firm onions without soft spots.
• Garlic: Adds deep, savory complexity, select firm bulbs with tight, unbroken skin.

• Olive Oil: Creates a fragrant herb infusion and helps crisp the chicken skin, choose extra virgin for best quality.
• White Wine: Adds moisture and subtle acidity, select a dry variety like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio.
• Lemon Juice: Provides final bright, zesty finish, use freshly squeezed for maximum flavor.

Tools to Use for Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken

• Cast-iron skillet: 30cm (12-inch) heavy pan for roasting and serving chicken.
• Mini food processor: Blends herbs and spices into a fine mixture.
• Meat thermometer: Checks chicken's internal temperature for safe cooking.
• Paper towels: Pat chicken dry for crispy skin.
• Sharp knife: Used for cutting chicken after cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Helps measure herbs and spices accurately.
• Pastry brush: Applies herb oil evenly on chicken.
• Aluminum foil: Covers chicken while resting to retain heat.

Cooking Instructions for Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken

• Herbal Infusion Preparation Blend thyme, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper into a fine mixture, then mix with olive oil to create a fragrant herb base.
• Skillet Foundation Layer fresh lemon slices across the bottom of a cast-iron skillet, then scatter chopped onions and garlic for a flavorful bed.
• Chicken Placement Position the chicken skin-side down, generously brushing with herbal oil. Flip and repeat the oiling process, ensuring even coverage.
• Oven Roasting Slide the skillet into a scorching hot oven and let the chicken transform into a golden, crispy masterpiece for about 30 minutes.
• Wine Enhancement Splash white wine around the chicken, allowing it to create magical pan juices while continuing to roast until the meat reaches perfect doneness.
• Resting and Serving Pull the skillet from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken, wrap in foil, and let it relax for a few minutes. Slice and plate with the aromatic pan juices, caramelized lemons, and onions.

Tricks to Make Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken Shine

• Smart Cooking Hacks for Perfect Results
• Replace thyme with rosemary or oregano for different flavor profiles, giving your chicken a Mediterranean or Italian twist.
• Pat chicken skin extremely dry before oiling to ensure maximum crispiness and golden-brown color during roasting.
• Choose a crisp white wine like sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio that complements the lemon and herb flavors without overpowering the dish.
• Use an instant-read meat thermometer to guarantee precise doneness, preventing dry or undercooked chicken every single time.
• Clean the cast-iron skillet immediately after cooking to maintain its seasoning and prevent rust, ensuring long-lasting kitchen equipment performance.

Serving Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken Just Right

• Pair with Rustic Sides: Serve this zesty chicken alongside roasted potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the delicious pan juices.
• Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a light green salad with citrus vinaigrette to balance the rich, herb-infused chicken flavors.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Pour a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the lemon and herb notes of the dish.
• Garnish with Green Freshness: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or thyme over the chicken just before serving to add a bright, herbal finish.

Make-Ahead Ideas for Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken

• Maximize Meal Prep: Slice leftover chicken and store in airtight containers for quick lunch salads or sandwiches during the week.
• Quick Refrigeration Strategy: Cool chicken completely, then wrap tightly in plastic wrap or store in sealed containers, which stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Separate chicken meat from bones, pack in freezer-safe bags, and freeze up to 3 months for convenient future meal additions.
• Reheat with Care: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a covered skillet with a splash of chicken broth to maintain moisture and prevent drying out.

Juicy Barefoot Contessa Skillet Roasted Lemon Chicken Recipe

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4.8 from 37 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Home cooks can master Barefoot Contessa skillet roasted lemon chicken with Mediterranean-inspired techniques. Juicy herb-infused chicken emerges crisp and golden, promising a simple yet elegant dinner you’ll savor.

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Ingredients

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• 1 whole chicken (about 1.8 kg / 4 lbs), backbone removed and butterflied (spatchcocked)
• 1 tbsp sea salt
• 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1 tsp whole fennel seeds
• 1 large yellow onion, halved and sliced ¼ inch thick
• 2 large garlic cloves, thinly sliced
• 1 lemon, halved and sliced ¼ inch thick
• 120 ml (½ cup) dry white wine, such as Pinot Grigio
• 80 ml (⅓ cup) good olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon

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Instructions

1. Herb Preparation: Pulverize thyme, fennel seeds, salt, and pepper in a mini food processor, then blend with olive oil to create a fragrant herb-infused mixture.
2. Skillet Setup: Layer lemon slices across the bottom of a cast-iron skillet, generously scatter chopped onions and minced garlic, creating a vibrant flavor base.
3. Chicken Positioning: Place chicken skin-side down, brush with half the herb oil, then flip and coat with remaining oil, ensuring the skin is thoroughly dried.
4. Initial Roasting: Transfer skillet to a preheated 230°C (450°F) oven, roasting for 30 minutes until the skin transforms into a crispy, golden exterior.
5. Wine Infusion and Final Roasting: Carefully pour white wine around the chicken, continuing to roast for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 68-71°C (155-160°F).
6. Resting and Serving: Remove from oven, drizzle with fresh lemon juice, tent with foil for 10-15 minutes, then carve and plate with caramelized pan juices, roasted lemon, and onions.

Notes

• Select the Right Skillet: Cast-iron is crucial for achieving crispy skin and even heat distribution, creating restaurant-quality results at home.
• Pat Chicken Dry: Thoroughly removing moisture from the chicken skin ensures maximum crispiness and prevents steaming instead of roasting.
• Temperature Precision: Maintaining a high 230°C (450°F) oven temperature guarantees golden, crackling skin and locks in succulent chicken juices.
• Resting is Essential: Allowing the chicken to rest after cooking lets internal juices redistribute, resulting in incredibly tender and moist meat.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 500 mg
• Fat: 35 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 36 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg